Santo Domingo. – The Senate of the Republic approved a bill that modifies Law 33-18 on Parties, Groups and Political Movements, with the aim of strengthening transparency, reinforcing the mechanisms of control of political financing and preventing the infiltration of resources and people linked to illicit activities in party organizations.
The initiative introduces changes to several articles of current legislation with the purpose of strengthening integrity and legality standards within the Dominican political system.
Among the main modifications are the incorporation of due diligence requirements and integrity criteria for the internal processes of candidate selection and party authorities, as well as the strengthening of the supervisory and auditing powers of the Central Electoral Board (JCE).
The reform also establishes measures aimed at preventing the entry of funds from illicit activities into the financing of political parties, in an effort to ensure greater transparency in the origin and use of resources allocated to electoral and party activities.
Furthermore, the project contemplates the creation of compliance programs and units within political organizations, responsible for ensuring compliance with legal provisions and internal controls related to financial and administrative management.
The proposal also includes a sanctions regime for violations of the regulations, respecting due process and the principle of self-regulation of political parties.
With the approval of this legislative modification, the Senate seeks to contribute to the institutional strengthening of the democratic system, promoting greater accountability and raising levels of citizen trust in political organizations.
Legislators believe that the new provisions will allow for the development of more transparent, responsible, and legally sound internal processes, as demanded by Dominican society.
